The Incredible Akshardham Temple

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Akshardham is a Hindu temple in Delhi, and a spiritual-cultural campus in Delhi, India, which is also referred to as Swaminarayan Akshardham.

The complex, which was inspired by Yogiji Maharaj and created by Pramukh Swami Maharaj boasts a millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture, and is one of the most beautiful modern temples in India. (We also included it in our list of great temples in Delhi, of course).

Photo source: akshardham.com

Opened on 6 November 2005 by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Akshardham attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi, which is a huge number each year. The temple, at the centre of the complex, was built according to the Vastu shastra and Pancharatra shastra.

The main shrine is the focal point of the temple, and maintains the central position of the entire complex. There are a number of exhibition halls which provide information about the life and work of Swaminarayan. The designers put a lot of work into modern communication and educational systems around the temple, making it quite unique.

The complex features an Abhisheka Mandap, a Sahaj Anand water show, a thematic garden and three exhibitions. The exhibitions are namely the Hall of Values, an IMAX film on the early life of Swaminarayan as the teenage yogi, and a cultural boat ride.

According to Swaminarayan Hinduism, the word Akshardham means the abode of almighty Lord Swaminarayan and is believed by followers as a temporary home of God on earth.

We highly recommend visiting this unique and beautiful Hindu temple complex in Delhi, at least once in your lifetime, and getting a glimpse of both old and new architecture and spirituality!